Protestors out in force over public education cuts

A selection of the large crowd that gathered in Lake Cathie yesterday to vent their frustrations at the projected cuts to the public education system.

TEACHERS, parents and members of the wider community turned out in force today to protest NSW government funding cuts they say places the future of public education firmly in the firing line.

More than 200 people flocked to the Lake Cathie Bowling Club to voice concern and anger at the O’Farrell government in the community day of action organised by the Port Macquarie Teachers Association in conjunction with other groups.

State Member, Leslie Williams was invited but did not show up.

Meanwhile both the Federal Member for Lyne, Rob Oakeshott, and National Party candidate for Lyne, David Gillespie, have had their say on the issues in Monday’s Port News.

Here is a selection of what Mr Gillespie says:

Mr Gillespie, says the Gonski report is flawed.

“Instead of using class warfare rhetoric our Federal member should look at the Gonski Report in more detail and see that its not all its cracked up to be,” Mr Gillespie said.

He also said the Federal Coalition’s policy includes a 6 per cent increase in recurrent Federal education funding in the next four-year funding agreement.

“This equates to over $4billion over four years and is to to apply to all schools,” Mr Gillespie said.

Mr Gillespie claims that Gonski review hit- list figures leaked into public domain two months ago reveal 3254 schools would be worse off including 2,330 government schools if Gonski formulas are applied.